From the Niagara Anglican:
It seemed like a good idea at the time and it seems like a good idea now. The Diocese needs $750,000 to cover all those costs incurred, in part, when the four parishes left the Anglican church for the Network, together with other shortfalls. Bishop Michael has transformed the whole matter into the greater concept of a Passion for Justice, together with Excellence in Ministry. [A passion for justice that includes suing Christians to seize the properties that they paid for]
Certainly the four departing churches and the attending legal costs have brought forth courage and caused stress at the top level of the diocese.
So it cost the diocese reserves $750,000 in lost revenue and investment income, in continuing pastoral care and operating support for the four departing churches. Stewardship consultant Jim Newman suggests that if 750 people could feel passionate enough to come up with $1,000 each, the diocesan resources would be replenished and all would be well.
[…..]
Plainly, a little creative thinking was in order. It came, soon enough, in the form of Lynne Corfield, the master of ceremonies and animator of the dinner itself: a lottery, the winning ticket worth a solo standup performance by La Corfield herself.
One wonders what Lynne Corfield will be performing. This perhaps:
Perhaps she could get ABBA to sing about Money with her also.
Seriously, the RC Diocese in St. John’s, NL appears to be short of cash so they came up with idea of a “lottery”, selling tickets on TWO NEW Dream Homes………Seems they didn’t sell enough to break even on the deal. Seems they cannot understand why people wouldn’t buy tickets. Seems they can’t see anything wrong with lotteries, selling tickets, Bingo, etc. Seems they just don’t get it.
Very likely Bishop Bird will have the diocese of Niagara doing soimething similar…if they do, I rather doubt that anyone “outside” of the diocese itself would be very interested….I know I wouldn’t be.
Seeing the diocesan bottom line and with the deep understanding that the people at the diocese have of making a success of things and now lacking their money man one would think that they may end up in even worse financial straits that they are in now. But that is just me.
I’ve read this article twice now and I still can’t decide whether the author’s joking or serious.
It’s difficult to imagine the DoN joking about $750,000.
If you have closed the narrow gate …………
It’s rather sad that the so-called breakaway churches get the blame for DoN’s financial problems. There was a bit of this in the court case here in Vancouver where the Diocesan lawyer was blaming the ANiC congregations for some millions of lost revenue in donations to the Diocese of New Westminster. Somehow the connection isn’t being made between the overwhelming will of the congregations to leave the Diocese and their desire to donate (ie voluntarily give) money to the same Diocese. Weird!
Has there been any news about when we can expect a decision? Last I heard they were saying Thanksgiving, and that was a couple of weeks ago….
No news yet, but the decision should be coming soon and suddenly–like a thief in the night?! We’ve been told the media will probably know before we do.
An Advent thought: The waiting is terribly difficult but can be quite useful in helping us prepare our hearts for the Lord’s return. In both situations we need to make sure we are not deeply attached to the things that moth, rust and… damp rot destroy and, all the while, to expect to be blessed beyond belief!
The Lord IS Lord after all!
Irena #’s 6 & 8:
You are ‘right on’ Irena. Isn’t blame one of the evil one’s most used tools? Strange thing is, when one finger points the others three point right back at the pointer!
On the issue of an Advent thought: we must remember exactly that.
I nearly choked on my oatmeal when (likely led by the Spirit) I misread Irena’s #8 to say .. We’ve been told the media will probably know what to do!
I think you need another cup of coffee Tom!